BrainPOP UK

overview

BrainPOP is a fun, web-based educational program which has hundreds of animated short films in all curriculum subjects, backed up with quizzes and worksheets. Each film features a boy, (Tim) who speaks and does all the explanations, and a robot (Moby), who doesn't speak. The characters quickly become popular with children, and they enjoy the familiarity.

The product is aimed at Years 3-8 (aged 8-14), and has been designed to support the National Curriculum, being referenced to QCA Schemes of Work where applicable. This is extremely useful where planning needs to show coverage of the National Curriculum and saves teacher time.

The ease of use and the product content makes this a real winner, and it really does live up to expectations, being a massive time saver and a hook for students. The flexibility of the product means that it can be used to start off a lesson (as a stimulus), as part of a lesson, or as a ‘stand alone’ filler, such as during registration, when there are a few spare moments. Pupils engage with BrainPOP when using it as a whole class, in a group, working with a partner, alone, or even through choice during a wet dinner time! Children view the films as entertainment and not just for learning. During the trial of BrainPOP it proved an invaluable aid when pupils were struggling with the use of a semi-colon in their literacy lesson. A quick search, using the ‘Curriculum Planning Tool’, provided a film on exactly what was needed (Colons and Semi-colons). The concept was explained really clearly and the learning was excellent throughout the class, bringing instant results to their writing and an increased confidence.

The very nature of the cartoon animation makes children feel secure; feeling that learning is meaningful, appropriate and at their level, i.e. they switch on, rather than off!

Each film is supported with a quiz which can be taken at any time and in a range of ways: printed out, through instant feedback, or through feedback at the end. There are lots of suggestions provided on the ‘Teacher Use’ pages, for how to use the quizzes, which really do help and inspire. During the trial, the use of the quiz was very popular and, as a bonus, was useful as a quick assessment tool !

A major plus to the product is that the range of films are very inspirational for teachers and lots of ideas for lessons can come from looking at what films are available. Additionally, when children have time to choose which films they want to watch, they too get very inspired by their learning and further research and interest is very often generated.

It is worth noting that the films are not just for primary age children, and some content is aimed at, and more appropriate for, slightly older children. This is an advantage mostly, with more able children being given opportunities to extend their understanding and learning, but is a consideration when children are choosing their own films and teachers may wish to monitor viewing of some more sensitive subject content.

Overall, this product is a real winner and will quickly become an invaluable classroom aid for everyone.

Product information on the supplier's site